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Arctic Tundra Essay

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The tundra is by far the coldest type of biome, as it is known for its low temperatures, little precipitation, poor nutrients, and short growing seasons. Occurring primarily near the Arctic within the Northern Hemisphere, the soil may be frozen all year up to a few feet, which allows no tree growth. However, a few animals have adapted to these conditions. These animals include lemmings, hares, oxen, foxes, wolves, and more. Within the tundra biome there are two different types of tundra biomes, arctic tundra and alpine tundra. Arctic tundra can be found circling the North Pole and reaching far enough south to reach the coniferous forests of the taiga. The arctic tundra is most known for its cold, dessert-like conditions. It experiences …show more content…

However, the alpine tundra can be found scattered across the world in high altitudes located on mountains. 5. Conduct research on one mammal that lives on the tundra and prepare a short essay on your mammal. Among the many species that live on the tundra, there is the arctic fox (scientific name alopex lagopus). Staying within the tundra (both arctic and alpine) biome, the arctic fox can be found in parts of Canada, Russia, Greenland, Svalbard, and Alaska. Arctic foxes are known for their small furry bodies that are covered by a thick white or blue-gray coat, short pointy ears, and bushy tails. Their coloring actually allows them to camouflage into the ice, snow, and will change to a brown/gray during the summer in order to continue camouflaging. This in turn helps them with their predatory nature. Although arctic foxes are herbivores and will eat vegetables occasionally, their primary diet is the meat from small mammals such as voles or lemmings. However, arctic foxes also feed on a variety of birds, eggs, and will sometimes eat fish. During the winter months when food is scarce, arctic foxes are known to follow polar bears and will feed off of their leftovers. Unlike other animals in the tundra, they do not

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